GRC10140 Classical Myth: An Introduction

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module will introduce students to key figures and themes in Greek mythology by examining their roles in ancient literature, art and culture. Students will explore the roles of gods and heroes such as Apollo, Aphrodite, Heracles, Theseus, Medea, Helen and Odysseus in their ancient contexts by looking at their different portrayals in Greek art and literature. This module will also introduce students to key skills such as using the Internet for research and essay writing, as well as developing techniques for the analysis of texts and images.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will:
- be able to identify key figures and themes in Greek mythology
- have explored different representations of these figures in ancient art and literature
- have developed a basic set of skills in researching and analysing the reception of ancient myths
- have demonstrated a basic ability to analyse and evaluate the role myth played in its social, literary, and political contexts in ancient Greece.

Indicative Module Content:

Lecture topics:
1. Introduction and overview. What is ‘mythology’?
2. Creation and Theogony
3. The gods and their domains
4. The Olympian gods
5. Mortals and gods
6. Death and mortality
7. Demigods and heroes: Heracles
8. Panhellenic myth: The Trojan War
9. Heroes, hero cult and the city state
10. Theseus and Athens
11. The Theban Cycle

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Tutorial

8

Specified Learning Activities

40

Autonomous Student Learning

40

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module combines large lectures with extensive small group work, including a group project that is completed by way of a series of guided tasks on a weekly basis throughout the module. Students are expected to attend all tutorials and contribute appropriately to the group project. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
GRC1011E - Introduction to Classical Myth


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Group project on a topic from classical mythology Week 9 n/a Graded No

30

Class Test: Visual test on topics and characters from Greek myth (delivered online through Brightspace) Week 10 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

15

Examination: 1 hour examination: 1 question from a choice of 4 1 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

40

Class Test: Visual test on identification of various figures in Greek art (delivered online through Brightspace) Week 5 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

15


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

For the slide test, results will be circulated a.s.a.p. after the test, along with a booklet detailing suggested/appropriate answers. Individual feedback will be available on request. For the group project, grades will be emailed to the group, along with feedback from the module co-ordinator.

Name Role
Dr Bridget Martin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer